Written question asked by Lord Mann (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 September 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 September 2010. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Monday, 11 October 2010 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Vocational Guidance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to make the commencement order to implement the careers education provisions in section 250 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009; and what discussions his Department has had with Ofsted on ensuring that those provisions are taken into account during future inspections of schools in England.

Answer: The Government are reviewing the provision of careers education and guidance, and the commencement of section 250 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 has been delayed pending that review.Schools already have a clear legal obligation to ensure pupils receive information about apprenticeships. The Education and Skills Act 2008 requires schools, in discharging their statutory duty to provide careers education, to provide impartial information and up-to-date materials that present a full range of 16 to 18 education or training options. Ofsted inspections take account of the support provided to pupils, including effective careers education and guidance.

Secondary information